2nd suspect in boy's slaying at party released

June 23, 2010

Authorities have released a second suspect in the fatal June 13 shooting of a 15-year-old boy at a South Side graduation party, saying there was not enough evidence to bring charges.

That suspect was taken into custody following the shooting that claimed the life of Kevin Jones, who was shot at a party in the Auburn Gresham community for graduating seniors from Hope College Preparatory High School.

Even though he has been released, authorities said the investigation into Jones' slaying was continuing with additional interviews.The suspect already charged with first-degree murder and being held in Cook County Jail without bail is Isiah Ellison, 19, of the 6100 block of South Evans Avenue. Ellison and the suspect since released from custody were former students at Hope, located in the Englewood community, and were known by many of the attendees at the party.

Law enforcement sources have said that the party's host got into an argument with two guests over a broken window. The dispute got heated, and two offenders pulled out handguns and fired a shot inside the apartment, sending 25 to 30 people scattering for safety, according to Andy Conklin, a spokesman for the Cook County state's attorney's office.

The gunmen then left the apartment but fired several shots back into the building, one of which struck and killed Jones. Ellison has made a videotaped statement to police admitting his part in the shooting, according to Conklin.

Friends described Jones as a basketball fanatic who played for the Harper High School team and had dreams of playing in the NBA.